Sky journalist claims departures of Maldini and Ibrahimovic are not certain

Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paolo Maldini are not certain to leave Milan, a report claims, but will only stay if they are guaranteed a key role.

Ibrahimovic only confirmed his return to the Rossoneri in January, putting pen to paper on an initial six-month deal with the view to extending that by a year. Given the impact he has had on the club both on the field and off it, his extension seemed a formality, however the chaos at corporate level has thrown things into doubt.

Sky Italia journalist Manuele Baiocchini spoke to MilanNews regarding the situation surrounding the Swede.

“I think Ibrahimovic did not take the dismissal of Boban well, the person who had strongly wanted him and who had convinced him to choose Milan,” he began.

“Ibra knew that with Boban as CFO he would still be the protagonist. Now he is no longer convinced of this, because he does not know – as we do not know – who will give the orders in the next season.

“I believe that Zlatan would only stay at Milan if he still felt at the center of the project. If, however, he should be considered a sort of champion at the end of his career, so no longer an immovable starter, he could decide to end his adventure with the Rossoneri.”

Baiocchini continued by describing the situation surrounding Maldini, with many reports claiming that he will see out the season before leaving his role as technical director, following the sacking of his friend and assistant Boban.

“I think Maldini is a manager so prepared and proud that he would not stay at Milan if he had no management of the sports area and no power over the choices,” the journalist added.

“I do not imagine Maldini as a representative manager. I believe that Paolo will remain in Milan only if he is guaranteed a leading role as he has had in the last season.”

He also believes that if Ralf Rangnick were to join as head coach and sporting director – like some papers are reporting – then that would force the former Rossoneri captain out of the door.

“He would hardly stay if Rangnick were to arrive, but there is that 'if' that changes everything. From what it turns out, Rangnick's prices are falling, but they are for everything that happened.

“The whole situation that has shocked the world in the last period it will lead the club managers to review their choices a little. And Milan is no exception.”